PRESS RELEASE – June, 2026
USBands Summer Clinic Series to feature The Academy of Drum and Bugle Corps
J. Birney Crum Stadium – Allentown, PA – Aug 1, 2026
This summer, Drum Corps International is partnering with USBands to put on a series of DCI Event Day Clinics which will occur at select events across the country. This half-day clinic in Allentown, PA will feature unforgettable experiences with the drum corps in residence – The Academy!
Participating high school band, percussion, and colorguard students will get to experience a behind the scenes experience in the life of drum corps. Learning from Academy staff and members, exclusive show music excerpts, side-by-side experiences on the historic field at J. Birney Crum Stadium, and a ticket to the evening show!
Student Registration includes:
- Commemorative clinic t-shirt (received at check-in)
- Complimentary ticket to DCI Allentown
- Instruction from world-class drum corps staff
For Educators:
USBands recognizes the importance of continuing professional development. Educators attending USBands events can earn professional development credit. Please select the Educator Track option when registering, and a USBands representative will follow up with next steps.
Special Offer: One free educator registration is provided for every 10 student registrations. For more details, contact jberry@usbands.org .
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Tentative Schedule
12:30-12:55pm – Opening Session for all Students/Directors
-Meet the staff.
-Learn event-specific details of the sessions to come.
1:00-1:45pm – Breakouts for Winds, Percussion, Color Guard, Leadership
-Meet and learn from the staff of The Academy.
-Learn fundamental exercises used by The Academy to develop their world-class skills.
-Learn show excerpts (at select events) so you can participate just like members of The Academy.
1:55-2:40pm – Side-by-Side Experience with The Academy
-Meet, interact, and rehearse side-by-side with members of The Academy.
-Watch as The Academy perform show excerpts and members-only technique exercises exclusively for USBands events attendees.
2:50-3:35pm – Students/Directors Leadership Sessions
-Learn practical skills for leadership effectiveness you can put to use IMMEDIATELY.
3:45-4:30pm – Students/Directors Observe The Academy
-Join the USBands team members as they guide you ON THE FIELD during a full-corps rehearsal with The Academy.
-See up close what it’s like to rehearse and perform from the perspective of the members themselves.
-Drum majors will have the opportunity to join the conductors of The Academy ON THE PODIUM to learn about the vital role the drum major plays in pacing and managing the rehearsal.
4:45pm – Concluding Session
-This is when we tie it all together and share ways to take what you’ve learned back home with you.
Location Information
- Date and Time: August 1st 2026 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM EDT
- Location: J. Birney Crum Stadium
- Address: 2001-2025 W. Linden Street, Allentown, PA, 18104 US
Register Here: https://usbands.regfox.com/2026-event-day-clinic-with-the-academy-allentown-pa
